The Little Things Give You Away

The Little Things Give You Away is a 2007 song by Linkin Park. It is the final song on their third studio album, Minutes to Midnight.
Writing and recording
The song was written after the band toured New Orleans and saw the effects of Hurricane Katrina. The song is an attack on the way US President George W. Bush mishandled the situation, with lyrics like, "All you've ever wanted was someone to truly look up to you/and six feet underwater/I do". Guitarist Brad Delson, referred to the song as "...the biggest statement that we've ever made" and stated it was placed at the end of the album because "Nothing could go after it as everything would get eclipsed by it." Vocalist Mike Shinoda referred to the guitar solo as "one of the most emotional moments we've recorded" because "It says what the lyrics are saying without words". Delson stated that the album version of the song was improvised in the studio. Delson had experimented with an EBow, but the band decided not to use the effect for the solo in that song and instead ended up creating "No More Sorrow" out of the effect. The band teamed up with David Campbell to add strings to it.
Critical reception
Critical reception for the song was positive. Bill Lamb of About.com noted that "he failings of our current presidential administration are laid bare as all too personal and human."
Personnel
* Chester Bennington - vocals
* Mike Shinoda - vocals, production, string arrangements
* Brad Delson - lead guitar, backing vocals, string arrangements on tracks 3, 5, 7, 12, and "No Roads Left"
* Dave "Phoenix" Farrell - bass,
* Joseph Hahn - programming
* Rob Bourdon - drums

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu